U.S. pumpkin production, top six States, 2010

After Hurricane Irene pummeled and soaked the Northeast, the media began reporting that damage to the pumpkin crop portended a general shortage of pumpkins for the Halloween season and beyond. Heavy rains in the spring caused some farmers to plant later than usual, and some areas experienced hot, dry weather during the summer months, further fueling concerns about this year's harvest. The fact is that it's not unusual for some areas to produce a less-than-stellar pumpkin crop, influenced by unfavorable weather conditions. But pumpkins are grown in nearly every State, so the supply is widely disbursed and conditions vary across the country. While USDA does not survey the pumpkin crop until the end of the year, overall it appears that the 2011 pumpkin season will feature variable quality and higher wholesale and retail prices. This chart is based on Background Statistics: Pumpkins on the ERS website, updated October 14, 2011.

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